Child Dies in Septic Tank Accident

Ryder Riaski. Courtesy: San Juan County Sheriff's Office

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office and the Riaski family want everyone to know the dangers of septic tanks and the necessity of proper coverage. Ryder's mom Cassandra does not want another family to go through the loss she is currently suffering.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

On Thursday, January 11th, Cassandra Cloyd-Riaski and her husband Kenneth Riaski, lost their little boy Ryder in a terrible accident. The Riaski family was spending time at Cassandra's parents’ house making funeral arrangements for her mother that passed away on January 4th; when their 3-year-old son, Ryder Ray Riaski fell through the septic tank and drowned. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office and the Riaski family want everyone to know the dangers of septic tanks and the necessity of proper coverage. Ryder's mom Cassandra does not want another family to go through the loss she is currently suffering.

Please ensure your septic tanks are up to code and properly covered to prevent anyone from ever falling through. Take the time to look at septic tank safety: https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Tank_Covers.php

The Riaski family has a memorial account set up at Citizens Bank under Ryder Ray Riaski, for anyone willing to assist them during this difficult time. You can donate at any Citizens Bank in San Juan County. We send our prayers to the Riaski family and all those that responded to the scene. This is a terrible loss for the entire community

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